Britain’s Got Talent is a televised British talent‑show competition created by Simon Cowell and part of the global Got Talent franchise. Originally slated to launch in 2005, filming was suspended and the series eventually premiered on 9 June 2007. The initial plan called for the programme to air between 2005 and 2006 with Paul O’Grady presenting under the title *Paul O’Grady’s Got Talent* after hosting the pilot. However, a dispute with ITV led O’Grady to refuse further appearances and he later moved to Channel 4. The show is produced by Thames and Syco Entertainment, distributed by Fremantle, and broadcast on ITV, attracting an average of 9.9 million viewers per series. Until June 2019, the programme was also available on online platforms.
The first winner in 2007 was former mobile‑phone salesman and opera singer Paul Potts. Each year, contestants of any age audition with any talent they wish to showcase. They perform before a panel of judges, aiming to secure a place in the live rounds. During the live stages, participants strive to win the public’s and judges’ votes, which determine who reaches the final, wins the cash prize, and earns a performance slot at the Royal Variety Performance before members of the British Royal Family.
On Sunday, 15 April, BGT returned for the second episode of the 2023 series, offering viewers a variety of entertaining acts. As usual, the judges selected who would advance to the next round. The episode shocked fans when a hopeful set himself on fire while attempting to solve a Rubik’s Cube. According to Mail Online, head judge Simon Cowell used his Golden Buzzer for 13‑year‑old choirboy Malakai Bayoh, whose performance moved the panel to tears. Fans took to social media demanding that he win the £250,000 prize and perform in front of King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Royal Variety Performance later in the year.
The current judging panel consists of Simon Cowell (63), Amanda Holden (52), Alesha Dixon (44) and newcomer Bruno Tonioli (67). Between 2007 and 2022, the show produced fifteen winners, spanning musicians, magicians, dancers and comedians.
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